Note: Some permitting authorities have adopted more stringent requirements, which may require homeowner training or even a prohibition against homeowner maintenance. To check if your permitting authority has adopted more stringent requirements go to On Site Activity Reporting System.

Submit a report to the permitting authority and owner at least once every four months [see 30 TAC §285.90(3)for a sample report];

The reporting frequency may be reduced to once every six months if the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of your system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system;

The maintenance provider is responsible for ensuring that the electronic monitoring and automatic radio or telephone access systems are working properly.

Your report must include all responses to property owner complaints and electronic monitoring notices;

Your report must be submitted within 14 days after the test is performed.

work directly under the supervision of a licensed maintenance provider; AND

submit a completed Application for Registration as an On-Site Sewage Facility(OSSF) Maintenance Technician and a $111 application fee to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. An application can only be obtained at the Maintenance Provider Training Course.

What laws and rules govern OSSF maintenance?

What type of chlorine should I use for wastewater disinfection?

When disinfection of secondarily treated wastewater effluent is required and you are using chlorine tablets, it is important that you use a chlorine tablet that is made from calcium hypochlorite and is certified for wastewater disinfection by EPA. They are very reactive and will kill 99% of the bacteria present in the effluent within 10 minutes. Follow all warning and precaution statements of the chlorine tablet manufacturer to protect yourself and the system equipment.

WARNING:DO NOT use swimming pool chlorine tablets in your disinfection system. The chlorine in these tablets are made from trichlorisocyanuric acid. Swimming pool tablets dissolve more slowly than calcium hypochlorite and do not thoroughly disinfect the effluent. Additionally, there is a danger of explosion using swimming pool tablets since the tablets will release an explosive gas called nitrogen chloride due to the fact that they are not totally immersed in water at all times while in use. They are not approved by EPA for wastewater effluent disinfection.

Should I pump my septic tank?

For conventional systems, it is recommended that you pump your septic tank every three to five years to prevent short circuiting of the treatment process. Access the online database to obtain a list of registered sludge transporters in your area.For aerobic treatment units, it depends on the depth of sludge and manufacturer's recommendations.